영문초록

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effects and intervention methods of aromatherapy studies in nursing. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. Nursing literature databases were searched to identify intervention studies published in Korea between 2000 and 2011. Finally, 53 articles were included in the review. Results: The most preferred application method of aromatherapy was massage. The major dependent variables were anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep disturbance. 76.5% of the studies reported positive effects on anxiety. 93.8% of the studies reported positive effects on depression. 86.7% of the studies reported positive effects on pain. 92.3% of the studies reported positive effects on sleep disturbance. Psychometric measurements were mainly used in the studies. Only 33.9% of the studies adopted physical or physiological measurements. The most prevalent physical or physiological instrument was vital signs. Conclusion: Aromatherapy had positive effects on anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep disturbance measuring when using psychometric instruments. However, there was no sufficient evidence measuring when using physical or physiological instruments. These need to be studied using well-designed, randomized, controlled trials, and should encourage the use of both psychometric and physiological measures for aromatherapy intervention in nursing studies.